WASHINGTON — Some Republicans applauded the White House’s Tuesday dismissal of FBI Director James Comey, while others expressed concern about the move.
According to reports, Department of Justice Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein recommended Comey’s firing based on the former FBI director’s July 2016 announcement of the Clinton e-mails.
Republican North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr said in his statement he was “troubled” by the dismissal of Comey.
“I am troubled by the timing and reasoning of Director Comey’s termination. I have found Director Comey to be a public servant of the highest order, and his dismissal further confuses an already difficult investigation by the Committee. In my interactions with the Director and with the Bureau under his leadership, he and the FBI have always been straightforward with our Committee,” Burr said. “Director Comey has been more forthcoming with information than any FBI Director I can recall in my tenure on the congressional intelligence committees. His dismissal, I believe, is a loss for the Bureau and the nation.”
Republican Iowa Sen Chuck Grassley, however, said, “The handling of the Clinton email investigation is a clear example of how Comey’s decisions have called into question the trust and political independence of the FBI. In my efforts to get answers, the FBI, under Comey’s leadership, has been slow or failed to provide information that Comey himself pledged to provide.”
Grassley went on to say, “The effectiveness of the FBI depends upon the public trust and confidence. Unfortunately, this has clearly been lost. The FBI Director serves at the pleasure of the president. Under these circumstances, President Trump accepted the recommendation of the Justice Department that the Director lacked the confidence needed to carry out his important duties.”
South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, who received a call from the White House about the Comey dismissal minutes before the announcement, said in a statement that he welcomed Comey’s service to the nation but a “fresh start” was necessary as a result of the major conflicts surrounding Comey.
“I know this was a difficult decision for all concerned. I appreciate Director Comey’s service to our nation in a variety of roles. Given the recent controversies surrounding the director, I believe a fresh start will serve the FBI and the nation well. I encourage the President to select the most qualified professional available who will serve our nation’s interests,” Graham said in a statement.
Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain, however, saw things differently and said in a statement, “While the President has the legal authority to remove the Director of the FBI, I am disappointed in the President’s decision to remove James Comey from office.”